Red Dwarf is Dave's biggest commission yet and its first foray into scripted comedy.

The offbeat series, set in space, has enjoyed phenomenal success since it first aired in 1988 on BBC2.

It brought in more than eight million viewers for series eight, sold 7.25 million DVD and videos worldwide, broadcast in some 25 territories worldwide and won International Emmy and British Comedy Awards.

The actors have hit the headlines for various reasons since the show ended.

Charles now plays toyboy cabbie Lloyd in Coronation Street. In November last year, John-Jules was ordered to carry out 120 hours community service for assaulting two refuse collectors.